best value current production tonearm

Thanks for the info about the arm customization. I can measure the depth pretty closely with an old dial calipers. don't know the machining dimensions under the arm board as I bought the table used with the JMW 10.5i base securely mounted. It's a factory stock VPI Super Scoutmaster plinth mounted with the 4" square board.

I am starting to yearn for this arm to play with to replace the 10.5i, but the system sounds so good these days that I hate to screw it up. I think the SSM Rerefence (belt-drive) could be an ideal platform for a floating arm. I loved my ET2 for 15 years despite the fact that both tables during that time - a SOTA and original TNT - were suspended on springs. Because the machining quality of the ET bearing was so high, the friction along the manifold was near zero and the carriage had such high mass, it was almost impossible to stay perfectly level along its path. This brought out the OC part of me that relentlessly fixes everything I know isn't right about my system. I think 15 years' experience with an ET2 in the worst of platforms qualifies me to put this little guy in place of the VPI arm. I need to assure myself that the swap won't prevent me from going back to the JMW if that's where the results lead.

Check out the SME 309 or the less expensive M2-9. They are both medium mass ( 9.5 grams) and work great with a whole range of cartridges. BTW,I have the 309 and it betters the many arms that I have owned before.

Don't do that. Trans-Fi bumped SME IV and Graham 1.5TC from my system. Check out testimonials of the many high-end TT owners on the TF web site. No affiliation.

I might need to try the Trans-fi in my system. I don't use the modded TNT much. That is a decent candidate for a change.

Any outlets in the states?

Bpoletti, Trans-Fi is only sold direct from UK manufacturer. It's not a bad thing, as this disintermediates dealer margin, and Vic provides good sales and tech support via email.